Recife tours

Things to do in Recife

Recife sits as a paradox, where sleek skyscrapers share the skyline with old colonial bridges, and frevo music weaves its way through the streets. With a local guide, exploring Recife turns into a personal journey through this lively city. Picture yourself crossing the Capibaribe River, the water reflecting the vibrant facades of Recife Antigo, while the aroma of bolo de rolo lingers in the air. A private tour here isn't just a surface-level experience; it's about diving deeper, bypassing the queues at Instituto Ricardo Brennand where history meets art. From wandering through historic Olinda to indulging in regional culinary delights on a food and wine tour, your guide navigates you through the essence of Recife's dynamic life. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Recife. Explore Recife your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Recife tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Recife for every interest, including: Layover tours: Your guide meets you at Recife/Guararapes airport, stows your bags, and gets you to Boa Viagem for a quick boardwalk stroll and fresh coconut before a fast run to Marco Zero Square for photos with the giant compass and harbour sculptures. If time allows, step into Paço do Frevo for a bite-size frevo intro and grab warm tapioca or bolo de rolo at Casa da Cultura before returning to your gate with time to spare. Art and Culture tours: Visit Oficina Cerâmica Francisco Brennand to see fantastical clay works in a jungle-like setting, then explore galleries and street art around Recife Antigo and Rua do Bom Jesus, including the Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue site. You can add a frevo or maracatu workshop and a stop at Cais do Sertão to hear the sounds of the sertão on interactive exhibits. City highlights tours: Cover Marco Zero, the bridges over the Capibaribe, Mercado de São José for crafts and snacks, and a short boat ride to the Francisco Brennand Sculpture Park when seas are calm. Many travellers also pair Recife highlights with nearby Olinda for views from Alto da Sé and a taste of tapioca made to your liking. Recife Antigo and the markets are walkable, and there’s metro and bus service between key neighbourhoods, but distances and heat can add up; you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation, or ask your local guide to arrange the most comfortable plan. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Recife inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Discover the rich textures of Recife with a local guide on a private walking tour, exploring neighborhoods that offer a taste of the city's diverse culture. - Recife Antigo: As the cultural heart of the city, this historic area is perfect for cultural tourists. Explore its cobblestone streets filled with vibrant art, traditional music, and historic buildings that speak to the city's colonial past. - Boa Viagem: Known for its stunning coastline, this neighborhood is ideal for families and beach lovers. Enjoy the lively beachfront, with markets and eateries that offer local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. - Casa Forte: This leafy area is perfect for those seeking a quieter experience. With its beautiful gardens and local fairs, Casa Forte caters to those interested in community life and local traditions. Day trip ideas from Recife From Recife, you can branch out to nearby beach towns and historic neighbours on easy day trips and tours that match what you like to see, taste, and photograph. Olinda: climb cobbled hills lined with colourful houses, step into landmark churches, and browse studios where local artists work, which fits if you enjoy colonial history, lively street art, and wide views back over Recife for simple, striking photos. Porto de Galinhas: swim in clear natural pools over the reef and spot fish with a mask, then relax on long sandy beaches with fresh seafood nearby, so if your interests lean to swimming, snorkelling, and a slower beach day, your tour can time the tide for the best water levels. Ilha de Itamaracá and Igarassu: pair calm island beaches and a quick boat over to the Coroa do Avião sandbar with a stop in Igarassu’s small historic centre, which works well if you like easy coastal time, birdlife, and short walks tied to early Brazilian history. Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Calhetas: take in cliff‑top lookouts, pocket beaches, and warm rock pools, with simple trails and viewpoints that suit a mix of light hiking, beach breaks, and coastal photography without long drives. Praia dos Carneiros (Tamandaré): stretch out on a sheltered, palm‑lined shore where sandbars create calm water and a small seaside chapel adds a quick photo stop, a good pick if you want a relaxed beach day with an optional boat spin on the Formoso River. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Recife most travellers miss.